Hello Rockstars!
This week’s Artist of the Week is Alt- Folk Rock band Same Sex Mary!
Here’s their story in their own words, Enjoy!
Main Photo and Black and White photo by: Doug Seitsinger
The Dive Color Photos by: Tiffany Salerno
VMS:
“When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
Same Sex Mary:
“Tsvetelina Stefanova and I (James Adams) had played together in previous bands but in 2010 we decided to form our own duo. As we prepared to record our first album, we assembled a backing band to add a greater depth and range to the songs and we never looked back. The lineup has seen numerous changes over the years, but for the last several years has featured Micah Malcolm on drums and Beau Gentry on Bass.”
VMS:
“What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.”
Same Sex Mary:
“SSM has cultivated its sound from a variety of genres and we constantly struggle with knowing how to label ourselves. We have drawn equally from country greats like Marty Robbins and blues rockers like Guitar Slim to punk legends X and garage-rock luminaries like Ty Segall.”
VMS:
“What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.”
Same Sex Mary:
“Sometimes a line just pops into your head, and the song writes itself. Other times, an entire song pours out of one good lick. Though, most of the time, it takes patience, thought, and intention.”
VMS:
“I love your songs “Black Widow”, “October 1”, “New Normal” and “Boomer Lullaby”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.”
Same Sex Mary:
“Spoiler alert! “Black Widow” was crafted with a twist: it initially seems like you’re following the victim of a creep, only to reveal that the roles are reversed and this creep has found himself caught in the web of a murderous femme fatale.
“October 1” is about trying to process the tragedy that had just befallen our community. Most of the lyrics were taken almost directly from the myriad of social media posts being made in the wake of everything. Who was this person? Why did it happen? Is this inherently who we are as a country now?
“New Normal” was pretty much a culmination of everything that was transpiring in our world during the first few months of 2020. From the pandemic, to sweeping wildfires, and to the numerous protests erupting throughout our country. The final line, “Down-down, it’s breaking down, so stay inside or get downtown” pretty much sums up the moment.
“Boomer Lullaby” is a reactionary song to the decade worth of articles and talking heads blaming the millennial generation for the decline of institutional industries like diamonds, luxury vehicles, all the way down to beer and even napkins. All of them missing the entire point of the dismal economic position we had been brought into. It was our OK Boomer song. It’s dated now, but it sure as hell felt good to sing at the time.”
Listen to and purchase Same Sex Mary music on Bandcamp:
https://samesexmary.bandcamp.com
VMS:
“Tell me about your 2020 EP: “Public Comment“. What was the inspiration and process of writing your music.”
Same Sex Mary:
“The songs on Public Comment were precisely that—a reflection of our emotional state at the time. The general discourse was intensifying, we were in the midst of a global pandemic and uncertainty loomed over us all. During this period, I served as a city council member for Boulder City, NV. The term “Public Comment” refers to the time allotted during the city council meetings for the public to address the body with their concerns related to the meeting’s agenda topics.”
Listen to and purchase “Public Comment” on Bandcamp:
https://samesexmary.bandcamp.com/album/public-comment
VMS:
“Which local artist would you like to work with and why.”
Same Sex Mary:
“There are so many great bands in Las Vegas, and we are blessed to have worked and played with many of them. We’ve always been sort of an oddball band when it comes to genre. We’re a little too heavy and loud for the indie rockers, and a little too soft and quiet for some of the hardcore enthusiasts, but we love that we seemingly fit in on just about any stage with any group of bands. As for bands we’d love to share the stage with, we’re stoked to finally get to play with Switterbeet at Fete de Femme at Swan Dive on August 30th. We’d also love to play with Style Cramps and Post N.C. in the future.”
To Purchase tickets for the Aug. 30th show click here: https://tickets.swandivelv.com/e/black-sheep-presents-fete-de-femme/tickets
VMS:
“What’s your overall theme or message of your music.”
Same Sex Mary:
“There’s a lot of fucked up and serious shit that we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun doing it. You can sway a lot more minds with good old fashioned fun energy, than you can shouting people down.”
VMS:
“Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.”
Same Sex Mary:
“”Warsong” is definitely one of our favorites. It’s heavy, it’s proggy, and it even has a bit of a country shuffle to boot!”
VMS:
“Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.”
Same Sex Mary:
“Too many, and the best ones aren’t suitable for print.”
VMS:
“What does the future hold for Same Sex Mary.”
Same Sex Mary:
“We’ll be touring Japan in November for 2 weeks and will be playing with some of our favorite Japanese bands while we’re there.”
VMS:
“What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
Same Sex Mary:
“Just have a great time and enjoy yourself. Live in the moment with everyone around you.”
Vegas Music Scene Thoughts:
What I love about Same Sex Mary is you can’t necessarily group them into one category. They have dipped their toes into so many different genres of music, that I could consider them Alt-Folk, Blues, Psychedelic, Garage and a little in between. They are excellent musicians with a creativity that has no limit and I appreciate that. With their Folk Rock / Blues vibe on their 2013 Album “Sex Cells” all the way to their most recent 2020 Album “Public Comment” their evolution musically and lyrically is a wonderful journey for the listener.
Whether they are talking about love or lost love, the struggles of following your dreams in a world that doesn’t seem to care, self medication, self evaluation, gun control, government corruption and isolation / depression (a commentary on the Pandemic Lockdown) they bare their souls in everything that they do, which is what I also love about Same Sex Mary; their vulnerability, passion, and raw grittiness that they have in their lyrics, but also in their vocals, guitar, drums as well. For me the standout tracks are definitely “Long Goodbyes”, and “Growin’ Up”, these songs take me on a melon collie ride and make me feel all the emotions I try to suppress (damn you for making me feel things! lol)
I’m excited to hear what the musical evolution of this band will be, they have a raw and unique perspective on the human condition and I cannot wait to see the journey they take me on in the future. That’s why I’m Proud to have them as my Artist of the Week!
I encourage you to go see their show this weekend at Swan Dive on August 30th, it’s going to an amazing lineup and I know they will put on a wonderful show and experience for you guys!
To purchase tickets click here: https://tickets.swandivelv.com/e/black-sheep-presents-fete-de-femme/tickets
——Vegas Music Scene. 🙂